Bellator 119 Undergoes Changes Week Of Fight-Card

Just days before the event takes place, Bellator officials have been forced to make several changes to Friday’s Bellator 119 card.

Brett Cooper has been forced to postpone his planned middleweight tournament final vs. Brandon Halsey due to a back injury. The bout was scheduled for the main event from Ontario, Canada and Spike TV.

“After my fight with Kendall [Grove], my back just hasn’t been where I need it to be to have a proper training camp for one of the biggest fights of my career,” Cooper said. “It’s a setback, but with some time off, I should be ready to go by late July. I never like missing time, but I know this is the right move. I’ll be back stronger, and I’m looking forward to winning another tournament and getting another shot against Shlemenko.”

In the new main event role will step Daniel Weichel and Desmond Green, who meet in the featherweight tournament final.

A planned contest between Shahbulat Shamhalaev and Fabricio Guerreiro will not be contested due to visa issues.

“Unfortunately issues arose in the passport process for Guerreiro, and because the fight is in Ontario, we weren’t confident these issues with be resolved by May 9,” Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “However, we should have news shortly on when this fight will be rescheduled, as these are two guys I’ve wanted back in our cage, and it should make for a great fight.”